The Chieftain's Daughter Read online

  Though her arm no longer burned quite so viciously, her skin remained raised and deeply reddened. If she should reveal her abilities to Lugh, surely he would wish for her to remain here so that he might instruct her in the ways of further developing her powers. She knew time was short and she must somehow get back to her world. She would need to be much more cunning in her dealings with this god if she hoped to be allowed to return to Killian any time soon.

  Chapter Two

  Ireland 1536

  Killian glanced uncertainly toward his companion as they neared the churchyard. Although he was not one given to fearfulness or dread upon entering a graveyard after dark, as many people were inclined to be, he had to admit the way the long shadows fell upon the many broken and uneven grave markers this night, left his heart racing. The wind seemed to howl unnaturally through the nearby grove where they’d tethered the horses. The cemetery was overgrown and nearly concealed by the huge oaks. Though he’d lived in the area for over a decade, he’d not even been aware of its existence. As he pushed open what remained of the large, decrepitly twisted gate, it creaked loudly and added to the eeriness of the situation. He attempted to ignore the fact the hairs on his neck were standing on end.

  Danhoul appeared unaffected and intent in keeping his eyes focused on the young spirit woman ahead of them. They had lost sight of her may times as she appeared and disappeared at will. At present she was but a hazy specter, barely visible in the limited moonlight. They had been following her for what seemed to be hours. Killian had considered more than once that perhaps she was taking them on a fool’s chase, but he clutched tightly to the sprig of thyme within his hand. Old Morag had instructed the spirit to give this to him as a sign of assurance she could be trusted. He needed to believe it to be truth even though he was well aware Morag’s body was not buried here in this churchyard.

  “Why would she lead us here when Morag does not lie at rest in this location?” he whispered, finally voicing his dubiousness.

  “Sure I cannot answer that as of yet, but there is most certainly a reason why she has ensured we are here,” Danhoul replied.

  “And your abilities of second sight cannot assist you in this?” Killian whispered once more.

  “As you may have observed in instances with your wife, clairvoyance is not always precise, especially when dealing with supernatural beings.”

  Killian smiled and thought how odd it was that they were discussing this subject as though it were as commonplace as speaking of the weather.

  Finally they heard a bemused feminine voice before them as the female specter spoke. “Why is it the two of you grown men whisper here within the gravestones, ’tis not as though you’ll waken anyone who rests here!”

  “Could you explain to us why we are here in this long forgotten churchyard when ’tis not anywhere near Morag’s grave?” Killian asked ignoring her humorous comment.

  The young woman’s silhouette began to take solid form again now that they were not moving. As Killian looked at her, he once more noted her unusual blue eyes and how similar they were to Alainn’s distinctly beautiful eyes. His heart felt heavy with concern for his new bride, with not knowing if she was truly being protected after being taken away by the Celtic goddess, Aine.

  “My mother would see no harm come to your wife, Killian O’Brien! Sure, it is best she is not here at this time.”

  Nodding to the spirit woman, his face registered his doubts on that count.

  “It would appear I am at a disadvantage, being the only one who does not lay claim to the gift of hearing people’s thoughts.” Killian’s sarcasm was evident.

  “Why did you bring us here?” Danhoul asked this time, since the spirit had yet to answer Killian’s previous query. “Why are we not at the old healer’s grave if she has employed you to take us to her?”

  “The portal to the spirit world nearest Morag’s grave is watched closely by dark entities. They are preventing her from making contact with Alainn. They will use all methods of evil to make certain Morag is silenced. Anyone, human or spirit, who attempts to assist her will be in grave peril, I fear! ’Tis why I searched for such a lengthy time to find an abandoned churchyard, one no longer remembered or frequented by humans from this world for perhaps two centuries or more.”

  “Are you not in danger as well, then?” Killian dared to ask the spirit woman.

  “Aye, it could be so, but I am not as vulnerable as many for I have carried my magical abilities with me to the beyond. You are a chivalrous sort to fear for me, young O’Brien.” She smiled at his concern for her.

  “So, we are to enter the spirit world then?” Killian continued without acknowledging her comment.

  “Nay, ’tis not advised, but as a last resort it may be so.” The spirit spoke on, “Morag has made many attempts to return to the world of the living. She was set upon being present at your recent marriage; she managed to materialize for mere moments, but the dark spirits would not allow her to draw near to Alainn. I will attempt to summon Morag, for perhaps she can make contact with us now that your new wife is no longer in this realm.”

  The young spirit woman moved to the center of the graveyard, floating wispily just above the ground. Her long flowing skirts skimmed lightly over the toppled grave markers and she stopped before a particular stone. She spoke in a language Killian did not recognize in a voice that unnerved him. His green eyes filled with wonder as the stone began to move. His eyes grew wider and he glanced at Danhoul, again in hopes the other man would offer some explanation of what was transpiring.

  “ ’Tis the grave of Morag’s ancient ancestor, one unknown even to the old healer herself until after her death. Perhaps she will be capable of appearing here or sending her message through another spirit at this location.” The spectral woman informed them.

  Both men watched on with trepidation as the stone moved, the ground rumbled, and the remnants of what surely was once a wooden coffin were cast aside. They waited to see what form of creature might spring forth from the open grave. Ainna, the spectral woman who was Alainn’s maternal grandmother stood watching as well. Killian crossed himself and prayed it would be the old healer who would reveal herself to them. They all appeared taken aback when, instead of the skeletal wraith they might have expected to emerge from the grave, the large imposing figure of the recently murdered Ramla, loomed before them. His life had been ended while attempting to assist Alainn. He now appeared as he did in life, wearing the same garments as when he’d been killed, still stained with his blood.

  “The old healer cannot come to you at this time—she is imprisoned by those with dark alliances. She has sent me with a warning for you to stay distanced from all portals to the spirit world, for you would surely meet much harm. You must leave now and make haste!”

  “Sure there must be something more we can do!” Killian insisted. “Can Morag not simply inform you of the important message she had hoped to convey to us, regarding the proof of Alainn’s paternity?”

  “There is no time; you must leave this place at once!” Ramla’s voice grew louder and more insistent.

  “But...” Killian stopped his protest mid-sentence and stared around him. He saw that Danhoul was doing the same. Soon all the grave markers began to shake and become unturned. Many of the stones and large crosses toppled against others and crumbled as they loudly smashed together. Ainna, the spirit woman’s regretful expression was quickly replaced by one of fear as she began to turn to mist.

  “If and when I am permitted, I shall return to assist you,” she whispered to the two men as she faded away before their eyes.

  “Go now!” Ramla warned once more. “Before you are unable.”

  Danhoul roughly grabbed Killian’s arm and pushed him toward the gate as nearby the horses whinnied and reared wildly. Wolf, the Irish wolfhound who was with them, had stopped short and refused to enter the churchyard, but now he howled in a ghastly unnatural tone.

  Danhoul’s eyes grew wider and filled with unhidden fe
ar as he glanced back at where they’d been standing. The ground had opened up and swallowed the entire graveyard. The grave markers, the earth, grass, bushes, and trees all fell into the depths. Killian and Danhoul made it through the gate just as it was being dragged beneath the ground as well. Wolf barked and snarled, baring his teeth at what Killian could not see. The sounds behind them were clearly not human and likened to the sounds he’d heard when entering the fairy realm when passing through the Unseelie Court. He could only imagine what demons, devils, and unsettled spirits were at their heels.

  They reached the horses as the wind grew stronger and the rain began to fall. They mounted looking back. Killian was relieved to see Wolf racing alongside them. He was almost certain he could feel ghostly fingers clawing at his back. By the grimace on Danhoul’s face, it appeared he was experiencing the same unearthly sensation. They did not need to coax the horses to plunge forward at an unusual speed for, they, too, seemed well aware they were running for their lives.

  Chapter Three

  Alainn shook her head to dispel the dizzying sensation and opened her eyes. She had yet again attempted to wish herself to Aine’s location but, to her dismay, she was now simply back in the bedchamber where she’d first awoken in the realm of the gods. But this time, she was not alone. Standing in the doorway, looking down upon her was an unusually tall, muscular male who wore absolutely nothing, bar a most displeased expression on his face. His arms were crossed, his jaw set and his intense dark eyes glared at her. Finally, she was being permitted to actually look upon Lugh! She quickly turned away and could feel her cheeks grow warm and ruddy. She averted her eyes and instead looked down at the formation of stones beneath her feet.

  “Surely you have learned by now, you cannot run from me, woman, nor hide! Now I demand you offer explanation. Do you actually use your powers to vanish or by some treachery are you simply able to hide within the magical clouds for a time to deceive me?”

  “You, in all your godly superiority and magnificence, are not capable of discerning between the two?” She goaded him once more in spite of herself as she looked down at the large blistered burn upon her arm.

  “You truly mean to rile me, is that your purposeful intent, woman? Aine warned me you would be a difficult sort but, truly, it is in your best interest to cooperate and not bring forth my temper again. It would not be advisable to do so.”

  “You might heed your own words and not risk angering me, your godliness!”

  “Do not threaten me or address me in such a rueful manner, and look at me when you speak to the likes of me.”

  “Then clothe yourself!” She uncomfortably kept her eyes from falling upon him.

  “I have no need for garments to cover me. They are a human necessity perhaps, but not one I require.”

  “Aine was most certainly clothed when I saw her, and she possessed weapons. Are you not skilled in weaponry or are you not to be trusted with weapons? Legend tells of a mighty spear you once possessed. Is that simply a falsehood?” She continued to gibe at him.

  “Aine is female and prefers to be clothed in the presence of humans. I assure you I am most capable with all manner of weapons, and my spear is indeed a mystical weapon, but I have no need for garments or weapons here in this realm!” With that, he insolently rubbed his hands together and created a large ball of fire, which he hurled toward the open window.

  Alainn chose to ignore entirely his display, which was clearly meant to impress her. However, she was finding it exceedingly difficult to maintain a conversation with the male without actually looking at him. Instead she stood and peered out the arched window in the chamber and watched as the fireball sizzled and eventually burned out in the lush grass.

  “Why is it you choose to keep your eyes from looking upon my physical grandness and the great endowments I possess? Does your human husband not lay claim to such grand attributes? Are you not attracted to me and my most obvious potency and virility?”

  “I am most certainly not attracted to any part of you!” She chided with chin raised and nostrils flared as she inadvertently turned toward him.

  “Apart from my husband, the only occasions I have ever looked upon unclothed men is when it has been required in attempting to heal them. And, truly, in my experience, I have found men who actually possess great attributes, physical or otherwise, seldom need to boast of them! Cover yourself or I shall not speak to you again.”

  The god huffed loudly in exasperation, but apparently decided to appease her for he stepped behind the doorway so that the lower half of his body was concealed.

  “Better by far!” She half sneered at him as she spoke.

  “Now, you must show me what you are capable of; reveal these powers you possess so that I might teach you how to better yourself, to perfect your abilities.”

  “It is as I have told you, I have no further time for this; I must be allowed to return to my husband for I fear he is most certainly in grave danger.”

  “And do you sense this by premonition or simply intuition?”

  When it was apparent she would not reply, he spoke further. “Summon his image then so that you might see what perils your man may face this day.”

  He glanced down at the floor and simply by looking upon it, created a large pool of water, clearly aware Alainn would be capable of using it to create an image of Killian.

  “Why are you so insistent on me showing you what I am capable of?”

  “How am I to teach you to develop your skills and abilities if you do not reveal what you are now able to achieve?”

  She shrugged and shook her head impatiently. “How long do you intend to keep me imprisoned here?” She posed an inquiry of her own.

  “As long as it takes... by human terms, perhaps a month, a year, a decade... a century! Who can say?”

  “A century? Surely, you jest? By then, all I hold dear would be gone from earth. I am not immortal; I would be dust by then!”

  “Ah, well bones at the very least.” He sniped. “Therefore, I suggest you not wait that long to show me your magical powers!” He advised in a voice steeped in superiority. He then purposely stepped before her once more and smiled seductively in a way that made her skin crawl. Then it was his turn to disappear without warning.

  Alainn knelt upon the floor and glanced into the pool of water Lugh had created. She longed to envision Killian, to see for herself he was well, for her heart ached with the loneliness of being parted from him. But she was hesitant to use her abilities, knowing full well Lugh had baited her and would be close by, waiting for just this opportunity to witness her powers. She formed a plan within her mind, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. She used her powers of concentration to be taken to another location distanced from Lugh, but where she would find water to conjure an image.

  As always, when she was transported in this supernatural manner, Alainn found herself disoriented. She inhaled several times to abate the dizziness often accompanied by nausea, before she eventually opened her eyes to find herself standing precariously on a narrow ledge overlooking a steep precipice. She leaned back against the stone wall and tried to avert her eyes from the lengthy drop to the ground. There was a magnificent waterfall that appeared to originate above her and the water cascaded down as far as her eyes could see. As lovely as it was to look upon, this form of water would be of no use to her in summoning an image. As she continued to look upward and assess her surroundings, she reasoned she was on the side of an immense mountain with no way up or down. She clearly needed to be more cautious in the future, for she had no way of knowing how her powers would be presented in this realm. Even in her own world, her abilities were oftentimes unpredictable and inconsistent, but here she had no notion what she might be capable of.

  She had wished herself to a location with water, and she was certain she could detect the scent of dampness in the air even beyond the waterfall. She slowly and painstakingly made her way along the narrow ledge until she espied an opening not much further along th
e stone wall. She was relieved to reach the entrance, but also reluctant to actually enter, for she was certain there could be any number of unknown creatures found within the cavern.

  As she dared to step closer and glance inside, she saw an unusual glow being emitted from within. Alainn was gladdened in the knowledge this was undisputedly a magical place. As she was about to enter, she sensed more than saw something covered the opening, it was nearly transparent, as if it was a veil, or perhaps a portal to another realm. Her heart raced with combined excitement and nervousness at the prospect of meeting magical beings as she pushed forward surprisingly meeting no resistance.

  She felt the coolness upon her skin as she warily made her way inside the cave. She thought she detected the sound of wings flapping and she stopped short. She’d always been repulsed and somewhat frightened by bats and therefore avoided them whenever she could. The flapping seemed unusually loud and Alainn recalled having heard many tales of mystical creatures such as giants that could be found in the realm of the gods. And if there were giants, could there be giant bats as well? She shivered and regrettably turned back toward the entrance, thinking she would need to find another way to learn how Killian fared this day. Perhaps she would need to go back to the castle after all... and yet she was undeniably fascinated to possibly witness magical creatures.

  As always, her piqued interest and curiosity won out over her clear intelligent thought and she turned about once more and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dark. She looked up and could see sunlight far above her, which would allow her to see more clearly. She reasoned if something untoward should happen or she should meet with a creature that was not benevolent, then surely she could simply wish herself back to the castle at that time. She wasn’t completely confident in this regard, but still she continued.

  As she moved deeper within the cave, she noted the walls glowed unnaturally and partially lit the area. Beautifully colored spiked formations could be seen hanging from the ceiling and rising from the floor. She walked slowly and purposefully, careful not to stumble on one of the uneven formations. Guided by the steadily increasing sound, she entered an immense chamber and within the middle was a beautiful round pool surely nearly as large as a lake. She inhaled the pleasant scent that radiated from the effervescent water. It bubbled and churned in a manner, which combined with the mist emanating from the water, nearly lulled her to sleep.